The Best Hikes in Chile
Researched on foot. Every distance, cost, and transport tip comes from first-hand experience.
Patagonia · Torres del Paine
W Trek Without a Guide
Hike one of Patagonia’s most famous multi-day trails independently, with everything you need to plan the route yourself.
Where to Go in Chile
Places worth adding to your list.
Patagonia · Magallanes
Puerto Natales Travel Guide
When to Visit Chile (and When Not To)
Use the below tabs to compare the best and worst times to visit Chile.
- Santiago and central Chile have milder temperatures than during the summer peak
- Patagonia is still suitable for hiking, with fewer visitors than from December to February
- The Atacama remains generally dry, with April particularly good after the summer rains
- Spring is a good time for the Lake District and Carretera Austral before the busiest summer months
- These months work particularly well if your trip combines northern, central and southern Chile
The best overall balance for a multi-region trip, with good hiking conditions and fewer peak-season crowds.
- Patagonia has its mildest weather, long daylight hours and the widest availability of hiking services
- Central Chile is hot and dry, making this a good time for the coast but a hotter time to explore Santiago
- The Lake District and southern Chile have their warmest weather, although rain is still possible
- High-altitude areas of the Atacama can receive summer storms, occasionally affecting roads and excursions
- Popular destinations such as Torres del Paine are at their busiest, so accommodation and campsites should be booked ahead
The best time for Patagonia and southern Chile, but expect peak-season crowds and occasional summer storms in the far north.
- Patagonia becomes much colder, with shorter daylight hours and fewer practical options for multi-day hiking
- Central Chile is cooler and wetter, particularly around Santiago and the central valleys
- Snow in the Andes makes this the main ski season at resorts around Santiago
- The Atacama remains a good option, but nights and high-altitude excursions can be extremely cold
- Southern Chile is colder and wetter, making road trips and outdoor activities less predictable
Not the best time for a Patagonia hiking trip, but excellent for skiing and still a good option for the Atacama.
Do You Need a Visa for Chile?
Rules differ by nationality and some countries have specific conditions that catch travellers off guard.
Select your nationality to see what you'll need before travelling to Chile.
- Most travellers from Europe, North America and Oceania get up to 90 days visa-free on arrival
- Citizens of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay can enter with a national ID card
- You can extend a tourist stay once, for up to 90 more days, online with SERMIG before your first permit runs out
Visa requirements can change. Always confirm with the Chilean immigration service (SERMIG) or your nearest Chilean consulate before booking or travelling.
Getting Around Chile
Choose two places and I’ll point you in the right direction.
Select two cities above to see transport options.
Getting Around Towns and Cities in Chile
Cheap local transport when you have time or app taxis when you want something easier.
Micro & Metro
Local bus · metro
Micros are local buses and are the cheapest way to get around most Chilean cities. Santiago also has an extensive Metro network integrated with its RED buses, making public transport particularly easy there. Routes and payment methods vary outside Santiago, so check how the local system works before boarding.
Uber & Taxi
App ride · street taxi
Uber is available in most of Chile’s main traveller destinations and is usually the easiest option when you want a direct ride. Regular taxis are also common, particularly around airports, bus terminals and city centres, although prices vary depending on the city and distance.
Come along for the next stop
Every guide on this site comes from a trip I actually made. Leave your email and I'll send you each new one the day it goes live.
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